Jungfrau Region (Switzerland) – A Hiker’s Paradise (Part 2)

Most climbers aren’t in fact deranged, they’re just infected with a particularly virulent strain of the Human Condition.

– Jon Krakauer (Eiger Dreams)

Start here for Part 1 of my Hiker’s Paradise in Switzerland’s Jungfrau region.

Grindelwald

Fresh from my discovery of Lauterbrunnen and Gimmelwald just the day before, I set out to explore Switzerland’s famed mountain resort of Grindelwald. Located at the foot of the north face of Eiger, the village appeals not only to the mountaineering elite, but remains a drawcard for tourists, whom are attracted by its emerald-green alpine pastures and lakes, as well as its proximity to a myriad of hiking trails and mountain lookouts.

Whilst lacking an element of dramatic mystique often associated with Lauterbrunnen, the village of Grindelwald offers an idyllic ambience with colourful Swiss wooden chalets adorning the landscape.

Alpine cows of Grindelwald

Grindelwald First

Ten minutes from Grindelwald station, the Grindelwald First cable car beckoned in the horizon. I have heard much about the dizzying heights of the Grindelwald First Cliff Walk, a suspended footbridge hugging the Grindelwald First summit. It is this I have come for. The cable car ride ascends over 1,000m in under half an hour and serves up picture-perfect vistas of Swiss alpine life set amongst rocky slopes and snow-capped peaks.

Grindelwald First cable car, with Mt Eiger in the background

Howling winds greeted me at the summit, doing their best to unravel my already tattered nerves. After a number of false starts and what seemed to be an interminable hour, I put one foot gingerly in front of the other on the death-defying walkway towards Eiger’s North Face.

Grindelwald First Cliff Walk, with the infamous Mt Eiger beckoning amongst the clouds

Thun

The placid Lake Thun offered welcoming relief after an adrenalin-infused day. The city of Thun, located at the lower end of Lake Thun and 30 minutes from Interlaken, is widely considered the gateway to the Bernese Oberland. With its distinct wooden bridges and cobbled streets, Thun’s historic Old Town is reminiscent of the Swiss city of Lucerne and boasts a 12th century castle as the city’s proud landmark.

Mini-Lucerne – Thun’s Old Town

A cruise on Lake Thun would be one of the most tranquil ways to cap the day. For the die-hards amongst us, the hour-long walk along the shores of Lake Thun is highly memorable and culminates in the Oberhofen Castle, renowned for its medieval keep and distinctive lakeside turrets.

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I am trying my best to decide whether to visit or not based on your post. Is it for the adrenaline seekers or did you have bad weather at the time? It does look fantastic. And this was in summertime, right?

Thanks for your note Amanda, please do make Interlaken the top of your list if you intend to visit Switzerland! It’s not just for the adrenaline junkies (I certainly found the mountains more peaceful than adventurous). I went in April, not quite the onset of summer and the weather can be a little temperamental. I would recommend going from May to Aug/Sep when the weather is perhaps more amenable. 😊

The pictures are breathtaking ♥️♥️ how good are you at photography?!
The accompanying description took to this foreign land feeling the similar adrenaline rush you would have felt and the nail bitting fear of trudging through the scary narrow brigde over, as if walking through the clouds ♥️
I missed your work. Looking forward to more my friend. Keep writing ♥️

Thanks for your lovely words. They make my day 😉.
The fear when taking that first step was indescribable. But there was a full grown man in front of me who looked like he was going to wet his pants and that gave me the courage to carry on. 😂😂

Haha, yea that’s no kidding. I had wobbly knees and stepped out there on my third attempt. It wasn’t the height, but the unimaginable gusts. But I wasn’t the worst one, there was a (adult) guy who was close to tears. Ironically that gave me the final boost I needed to step out 😂 Awesome place though!